Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine has been honored with the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Environmental Excellence Award for its innovative solar power plant, which is the largest off-grid solar facility in Canada’s northern territories.
Launched in July 2024, this 3.5-megawatt installation features 6,620 bi-facial panels and is intended to meet up to 25% of the mine’s energy requirements during its closure phase, slated to commence in 2026. The plant is expected to produce around 4.2 million kilowatt-hours each year, decreasing diesel usage by 1.1 million liters and cutting down carbon emissions by about 2,900 tonnes, which is comparable to removing 630 vehicles from the roads.
Matthew Breen, Chief Operating Officer of the Diavik Diamond Mine, remarked, “This accolade signifies our dedication to environmental stewardship and collaboration with our partners. The initiative showcases the potential for large-scale renewable energy in the North of Canada.”
The solar power plant was constructed in collaboration with Solvest, a contractor based in Yukon, and the Tlicho Investment Corporation, which represents one of Diavik’s Indigenous partners. The bi-facial panels harness energy from both direct sunlight and reflected light, making them ideally suited for cold, snowy climates. They generate up to 10% more energy and function 15% more efficiently at –25°C than at warmer temperatures.
As the mine gets ready for closure, Rio Tinto is investigating opportunities to transfer the solar facility to assist other Northern communities, thereby enhancing its environmental footprint well beyond Diavik’s operational life.